Surge in pet abandonments overwhelms shelters in city of Maricopa

MARICOPA, AZ (AZFamily) — A growing trend is pushing animal shelters and sanctuaries across the city of Maricopa into overdrive. Dozens of pets are being abandoned in parking lots, along roadsides, and even at local dog parks.

Ellese Gudvangen, owner of the Gud Ark Sanctuary in Maricopa, says the recent surge in abandonments is unlike anything she’s seen before. “It’s more than what I’ve ever seen from anywhere else we’ve lived.”

This past Sunday, two dogs—Coco and Holly—were found abandoned at the Copper Sky dog park, with no owner in sight. “The dogs were severely overheated. They were a little bit nervous, and you could tell they were confused overall,” Gudvangen said.

Christine Deleone, a longtime Maricopa resident and recent volunteer at The Gud Ark, says she’s seen the problem escalate over the past several years.

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“The last three to four years… Yep. Terrible,” she said. “People are dropping them off wherever they think people will find them.”

Statewide concern over animal cruelty, Rachel Mitchell, Maricopa County Attorney, says her office is taking animal welfare seriously.

“I can’t say if it’s happening more or if it’s just being reported or discovered more,” Mitchell said. “But I can tell you this: My office and law enforcement in this county continue to make animal welfare a priority.”

With shelters like Gudvangen’s operating at full capacity and beyond, advocates hope for stronger enforcement and consequences.

“Once people start seeing they’re getting arrested, they’re getting fined—maybe they’ll think twice about doing that,” Deleone said.

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